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2014年6月16日星期一

We were Born on the Same Day

Bruno scrunched up his face, not sure that he had heard the little boy right. 'What did you say your name was?' he asked.

'Shmuel,' said the little boy as if it was the most natural thing in the world. 'What did you say your name was?'

'Bruno,' said Bruno.

'I've never heard of that name,' said Shmuel.

'And I've never heard of your name,' said Bruno. 'Shmuel.' He thought about it. 'Shmuel,' he repeated. 'I like the way it sounds when I say it. Shmuel. It sounds like the wind blowing.'

'Bruno,' said Shmuel, nodding his head happily. 'Yes, I think I like your name too. It sounds like someone who's rubbing their arms to keep warm.'

'I've never met anyone called Shmuel before,' said Bruno.

'There are dozens of Shmuels on this side of the fence,' said the little boy. 'Hundreds probably, I wish I had a name all of my own.'

'I've never met anyone called Bruno,' said Bruno. 'Other than me, of course. I think I might be the only one.'

'Then you're lucky,' said Shmuel.

'I suppose I am. How old are you?' he asked.

Shmuel thought about it and looked down at his fingers and they wiggled in the air, as if he was trying to calculate. 'I'am nine,' he said. 'My birthday is April the fifteenth nineteen thirty-four.'

Bruno stared at him in surprise. 'What did you say?' he asked.

'I said my birthday is April the fifteenth nineteen thirty-four.'

Bruno's eyes opened wide and his mouth made the shape of O. 'I don't believe it,' he said.

'Why not?' asked Shmuel.

'No,' said Bruno, shaking his head quickly. 'I don't mean I don't believe you. I mean I'm surprised, that's all. Because my birthday is April the fifteenth nineteen thirty-four. We were born on the same day.'